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Kathryn McMaster
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Kids who Kill: Joshua Phillips: True Crime Press Series 1, Book 1 Kindle Edition

by Kathryn McMaster (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 315 ratings
"We taught our girls to pray every day. What we didn't know was that the devil himself had moved in right across the street."

When Maddie Clifton returns to her house that afternoon to find golf balls, she has no idea when she meets her neighbor and friend, 14-year-old Josh Phillips, that he is going to kill her.

Within minutes, Maddie Clifton is dead.

After a week, a lingering, putrid smell is coming from under his waterbed.

How is it possible neither of his parents notice the distinct smell of decomposing flesh?

Who is the real Joshua Phillips? There is a dark side to this young teenager that shocks the community to the core. He is a burglar, a thief, a destroyer of property, a possible sexual deviant and a murderer.

He pleads that Maddie's murder was a terrible mistake. But was it? There is a lot more to this macabre murder.

The Kids who Kill series is written by the bestselling author and researcher, Kathryn McMaster. This nonfiction true crime series covers murder cases of young killers.
If you enjoy books by Anne Rule, Jack Rosewood and Kathryn Casey you will enjoy this author's books.

Kathryn McMaster specializes in true crime and unsolved murder cases while digging deep to explore the dark side of the human mind.
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Kids who Kill
  2. Print length
    218 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    October 12, 2018
  6. File size
    1.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 5 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Masterpiece of true crime narrative." - David Hall


"I loved the book. I like Ms. McMaster's writing style. The story, although startling, is quite a statement on police procedure, family ignorance, and smelly teenage boy's bedrooms." - Dorica Beland.

"This book follows the story of a hard-hitting and difficult to fathom crime in an honest, empathetic and eye opening way. Thoroughly compelling and difficult to put down." - Lynette Ekins.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GD4MSX7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ True Crime Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 12, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 218 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Kids who Kill
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 315 ratings

About the author

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Kathryn McMaster

Kathryn McMaster

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Kathryn McMaster is the bestselling author of 9 true crime books. She eats, breathes, and dreams true crime cases. While her friends were reading Nancy Drew, Kathryn was pouring over her father's true crime books late at night, reading them under the sheets with the aid of a torch.

Her debut novel, "Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?" was a huge success, and has sold more than 6,000 copies to date. It covers the murder of a young boy during Victorian England that is so heinous it is thought, initially, to be the work of Jack the Ripper.

While her first two books are written as fact-fiction, she now writes nonfiction true crime covering murder cases that are of interest and unique in some way.

Her true crime books are well-researched, unbiased and based on court records, interviews and newspaper articles.

Kathryn McMaster’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and Forensic Science (Criminal Investigation) which she occasionally draws on to analyze a crime in the afterword.

She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’, and exploring the dark side of the human psyche.

If you enjoy true crime books by Ann Rule, Kathryn Casey, or Jack Rosewood, you will enjoy these.

Look out for her books:

1) Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?

2) Blackmail, Sex and Lies

3) Kids who Kill: Joshua Phillips, Book 1

4) Kids who Kill: Eric Smith, Book 2

5) Kids who Kill: Cristian Fernandez, Book 3

6) Kids who Kill: Sandy Charles, Book 4 (true crime new release, February 2019)

7) Kids who Kill: Kelly Ellard & Warren Glowatski, Book 5 (true crime new release, March 2019)

8) Kids who Kill: Austin Sigg (true crime new release, November 2019)

9) Couples who Kill: Miranda and Elytte Barbour, Book 1 (true crime new release, April 2019)

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
315 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this true crime book well-documented and engaging, providing a balanced examination of the crime from multiple perspectives. The writing style receives positive feedback, with customers noting it is very well written, and one review highlighting how participants speak in their own words.

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Story qualityReadabilityWriting style
17 customers mention "Story quality"14 positive3 negative

Customers praise the true crime book for its well-documented approach, providing a balanced view of the crime from multiple perspectives.

"It's a true story but a scary one , some thing that you just don't expect to happen . ." Read more

"...Ms. McMaster's impeccable research allows the reader to examine this crime in detail; participants speak in their own words, and you will learn and..." Read more

"...Strongly recommend this historical read." Read more

"...I was especially impressed by the reports of the trial, which made me feel like I was in the courtroom during the proceedings...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fascinating and well-done read.

"...the rest of the book was very well done. I thought about the case for several days afterwards...." Read more

"...view this true crime series as sensational, but rather a truly remarkable study of the workings of the mind of someone who could perform such an..." Read more

"Reading about this is so interesting , yet upsetting. Yes, this boy would've been a serial killer. He seemed beyond evil in his actions...." Read more

"...If you are a reader of true crime, this series is a worthy addition to your library." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting that participants speak in their own words.

"...allows the reader to examine this crime in detail; participants speak in their own words, and you will learn and understand more about the American..." Read more

"...The book is written mostly in present tense. Although not my usual preference, it seems to fit with the nature of the narrative. "..." Read more

"This book was veryy well written it takes you right into the judicial system. It makes you see the story from both sides...." Read more

"A well written book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Joanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kids Who Kill: They are not the only ones who serve a sentence
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Why read true crime, one may ask? Maybe to better understand what is going through someone else's head? To recognize traits of a killer? Yes, perhaps for these reasons, and more. But when the killer is a child... we all shudder; it is unexpected and sad. Author McMaster writes this true crime story with a neutrality that is without her own expression of horror, repulsion, and judgment, which would be a hard thing to do, especially because it involves children. She takes us on the journey of the reveal, and the trial. What touched me was Joshua's mother. She loves her son. I feel her pain. Nothing stops a love of a mother towards a son.

    Missy Phillips (mom of Joshua) as she drives the four-hour drive back home after visiting her son in prison (this was written by Missy):

    "I wonder how I am ever going to make it back home feeling this way. I miss Josh before I am out of the driveway. Indeed, I am missing him as we're embracing that last time before I walk out the door to continue serving my life sentence, for as surely as Josh was given one, so was I. ... I ask God to help me through another day."

    And that could be a good reason to read true crime: To pray for the moms. For they were served a sentence too, and they cry a million tears.
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  • Sherry
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sad book . ..
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It's a true story but a scary one , some thing that you just don't expect to happen . .
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars While the book is incredible
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I find myself at odds with both families. After a child is murdered it seems both families fall apart. The victims family seems to think all that matters is the life that was lost. In doing that children still in the home are neglected and like it not their parents behavior tells them they aren't worthy of a normal family life. If the goal was all the children first as it should be the living children would rise above the loss of a sibling. From early on raising my children it's the one common theme I'd see in story after story. I swore if this nightmare ever happened to one of mine I would not allow it to destroy those still living. Shame on parents who so callously disregard the living for the dead. As to the parents of the child who murdered I have no compassion for what they suffer. Time and and again the victim and the victims family get nanoseconds of thought from them and the race is on to prove their child deserves a life because they love the child. Accountability is ignored in favor of how to use the system to get what they want. I agree with the judge who said what Josh did earned him a life behind bars. Who he was isn't normal and all caged animals will eventually settle into life as is. But unlike human animals real animals once set free of the cage are capable of relishing life. Josh isn't the rules exconvicts have to live with and the consequences of the law he broke will have him at his breaking point. While he has won a look at his sentence in 2024 it's my hope and prayers that he is caged for the rest of his life. He hasn't admitted and got help for the sick person he is. He only admitted what he really did to work the system.
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  • Debbie Sheuring
    5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, balanced examination of an unbelievable crime
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I've read all of Ms. McMaster's books, and this latest, the first in a series of children who commit murder, doesn't disappoint. I remember this crime well; living in the area, watching the news, you become invested in the lives of total strangers. What a shock when little Maddie's found, and her young teenaged neighbor is charged with the crime.! Ms. McMaster's impeccable research allows the reader to examine this crime in detail; participants speak in their own words, and you will learn and understand more about the American legal system. The feelings of the family members - both dealing with unimaginable loss- is presented in a non-emotional, direct way that allows the reader to see both sides. The question of whether life in prison is too harsh a sentence for someone at 14 is presented. Is that truly throwing away a young life, or in some ways is that a benefit to a young person who is already seeking a life out of control? This is a case that could happen to any of us, victim or perpetrator, in today's society. I look forward to the next books in the series.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I didn’t know what to expect when I first started reading this book, but I was quickly drawn in lot the story. It’s an absolutely horrific crime, but the author did an excellent job of not sensationalizing the story and providing the facts in a fairly non-biased way.

    I did find a few punctuation errors and contacted the author directly to let her know. She immediately responded to my email and thanked me for the catches. She then fixed the issues and emailed me back. This is something that few other authors do: taking the time to respond to feedback from readers. I think this speaks volumes about her professionalism.

    Other than the lawyer dialogue that I did not like (lawyers sometimes talk a lot without saying much), the rest of the book was very well done. I thought about the case for several days afterwards. When a book holds my attention like that, it deserves 5 stars in my opinion. I will definitely be reading future books in the series.
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  • BJS
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read; Recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Remembered this tragedy. well, but the author brings all the characters and details into sharp focus. Strongly recommend this historical read.
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  • LoveLit
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent True Crime
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Joshua Philips, Kids Who Kill is a shocking true crime story that kept me riveted all the way through. The facts of the story were almost impossible to believe as McMaster revealed them. But as she examines the events from every angle, we begin to get a picture of the mind of a young person who could kill. Not what I expected.
    What made it relevant for me was McMaster’s treatment. Without bias, she related the facts and emotion of the story from all sides—not only from the standpoint of the crime committed, but how it affected the investigators, families and friends of both the victim and the accused.
    I was especially impressed by the reports of the trial, which made me feel like I was in the courtroom during the proceedings. I don’t view this true crime series as sensational, but rather a truly remarkable study of the workings of the mind of someone who could perform such an act.
    Very well done. I give it five stars
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Helen
    5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read
    Reviewed in Italy on October 17, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Despite the subject matter, I found this a very interesting read. The author has taken the facts and laid them out in this book so that the reader can make up their own mind. She takes on the role of neutral spectator and presents the events in the present tense, as if they were happening now.
    As well as talking about the murder and the murderer, she also gives both mothers' stories after the awful events, and shows how their lives have changed since.
    The book isn't about whether Joshua is guilty or innocent - he committed the crime. Instead, it concentrates on how the police and courts carried out their investigations and trials, and whether his sentence was justified or not. The reader is left to decide for themselves, and I'm sure the book will evoke different reactions in every reader. There are more books in the series, which I look forward to reading!
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  • Squeaky Joe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Will thrill true-crime readers everywhere
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    True-crime investigation charting the shocking child murder of Maddie Clifton. When police discovered a 14-year-old boy had hidden the body of his childhood friend under his bed for a week without anyone noticing, they had a lot of questions. How was he able to continue his everyday life as if nothing had happened? Why did his parents not realise there was something wrong when the corpse started to smell? And what was it that drove a child to kill his 8-year-old friend?

    This is the first in indie author Kathryn McMaster’s new series ‘Kids Who Kill’. Like her previous books ('Who Killed Little Johnny Gill' and 'Blackmail, Sex and Lies'), Ms McMaster shows off her talent for research and investigation. Using court documents, testimonies and police reports, she brings to life this horrendous murder and its effect on the individuals and families involved. The book drew me in with its fascinating and absorbing account and the author’s clever use of language that gives a feeling of immediacy and participation. It’s also worth noting that the nature of the crime demands a level of detail that some readers may find hard to bear.

    With the next two books in this series already listed for pre-order, Kathryn McMaster has created an intriguing and captivating series that will thrill true-crime readers everywhere.
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  • Philip Turnbull
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    a great book in a great series
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  • Christina Darby
    4.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A compelling but sometimes difficult to read account. Difficult because of the utterly tragic events recounted. Every fact is here however and I appreciated the elements from the killer's family's point of view. Every true crime fan will have an interest in this book even if it does leave an empty depressing feeling.
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  • SH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitively written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I do not usually read non fiction books, but I saw this advertised on pre order, and being someone who occasionally watches those true crime programmes, I was intrigued. This book is sensitively written, without ignoring the facts. Eight year old Maddie was murdered by her 14 year old friend Josh. It was so sad so heart wrenching, this little girl's body lay hidden for seven days under the bed of a frightened boy who had acted like a monster. I'm not giving away any more here than is in the book description, but there is more to the book than this, about tests carried out on the 14 year old's brain and police proceedure. I usually say how much I enjoyed reading books, enjoy is not the right word here. I'm not sure why, but I couldn't stop reading it.
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